Method for cell sampling in a body cavity

Abstract

A simple, inexpensive, accurate and potentially self-administered method for collecting human cells from a body cavity for cytodiagnosis.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method for collecting cells from a body cavity for cytodiagnosis, which comprises the steps of: (a) inserting into the body cavity an absorbent carrier having a rupturable sac of sterile fluid contained therein;   (b) puncturing the rupturable sac of sterile fluid after insertion;   (c) translating or rotating the absorbent carrier with respect to the body cavity thereby depositing on the absorbent carrier cells from the body cavity thereby forming a cell-laden carrier;   (d) removing the cell-laden carrier from the body cavity; and   (e) transferring the cells from the cell-laden carrier to a medium for cytodiagnosis.   
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1 wherein the body cavity is the human female cervix and vaginal vault. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 1 wherein the absorbent carrier is an absorbent tampon having a rupturable sac of sterile fluid contained therein. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 1 or claim 3 wherein the sterile fluid is sterile saline. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 1 wherein the sterile fluid is provided in an amount ranging from about 0.25 ml to about 3.0 ml. 
     
     
       6. The method of claim 1 wherein the cell-laden carrier is placed in a substantially airtight container until said cells are transferred to the medium for cytodiagnosis. 
     
     
       7. The method of claim 1 wherein the cytodiagnosis comprises a test for pathophysiologic conditions. 
     
     
       8. The method of claim 1 wherein the cytodiagnosis comprises a test for carcinomia.